Could 3D printing be used for play time?
As predicted more and more companies are rapidly jumping on the 3D printing bandwagon. This trend is picking up momentum and we’ve made a lot of predictions on how 3D printing can help enhance work and home lives. But what if 3D printing could also be used for fun and play time?
Lego are currently considering how 3D printing could be used to revolutionise their products. The iconic, legendary brand appears to be somewhat of a past time today. With the rise of internet gaming and consoles from the likes of Sony and Microsoft, Lego and other physical toys such as Playmobil are potentially under threat.
Lego have implemented strategies to keep their brand current such as the Lego Land theme park in Windsor and the Lego Movie which was released this year. Lego are now said to be reflecting on the idea of 3D printing being used by customers, enabling them to create their own bricks, accessories and mini Lego figurines. This development could see customers being able to build their own, most extravagant Lego creations, which in turn can offer Lego even more opportunity to create brand awareness.
However, whilst Lego have made it clear that 3D printing would be for customer use only and not be integrated into Lego’s manufacturing process, other companies with less efficient production processes could also use this technology, as a much more cost-effective and faster possibility.
Lego are keen to adopt the 3D printing trend to give them competitive advantage and before other toy companies think of the same idea. We’re excited to see if this development will be successful and if this will create competition in the toys market, as well as starting to rival online and virtual gaming.
Do you think it could work?
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